Direct Drive Slot Car

ABSTRACT

A direct drive slot car having a chassis, and a motor having a motor shaft connecting directly to a set of wheels. The motor shaft is operatively engaged with the motor without a gear train or a separate rear axle. The motor shaft rotates the set of wheels in response to the motor being energized.

BACKGROUND

Slot car toys may have started as simple miniature motorized toy cars traveling along tracks for young children, but over the years, loyal legions of fans continue to embrace these toys. Nowadays, a growing number of old fans who wish to continue to bring these toys into their retirement or adult lives, while sharing this fond memory with their children, whether they are young children or teenagers—a racing toy for all ages.

Traditionally, slot cars have always been designed with a gear train between the motor and the driving wheels in one of three configurations as seen in FIGS. 1-3:

For example, in FIG. 1, an inline style'where the motor shaft is orientated at 90 degrees to the rear axle and the turning moment is connected by a contrate or crown gear and pinion to connect the motor to the rear axle.

For example, in FIG. 2, a sidewinder style—where the motor is mounted in front of the rear axle and drive is provided by a spur gear and pinion to connect the motor to the axle.

In another prior technology example, as shown in FIG. 3, an anglewinder style—where the motor is set an angle to the rear axle and drives, again through a spur gear and pinion.

When the slot cars started circa late 1950's/early 1960's, they are mostly made out of plastic and simple constructions. For example, these slot cars may be fitted with an aftermarket motor that is secured purely by sandwiching it between the upper and lower plastic body parts which are then screwed together. The motor bearings are also the only support for the axle (motor shaft). The wheels are plastic and push fit on the end of the motor shaft. Due to their unsophisticated design, they no longer meet the needs of modern day slot car racing, which demands high quality construction and finish.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention minimize the diameter of the driven spur gear. Further embodiments of the invention provide a direct drive slot car device manufactured from modern materials and featuring a number of specifically designed, and novel components. Components including the chassis and motor enable the car to run efficiently without the traditional method of utilizing a pinion and spur/crown gear reduction system to enable drive to the driving wheels.

Aspects of the invention further eliminate the need for a gear train allowing the car to run smoothly without the need for either a gear train or a separate rear axle. The motor shaft itself becomes the rear axle and provides turning moment to the rear wheels. Moreover, embodiments of the invention are developed to simplify construction of the slot car and also to simplify maintenance and use of the car for novice racers. Removal of the gear train ensures that there are no implications in operation in terms of worn gears or incorrect fitting and meshing of replacement of gears. This essentially removes one of the major maintenance and performance implications of using such a product by eliminating the gear train altogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an inline rear motor drive slot car design as used in the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sidewinder rear motor drive slot car design as used in the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an anglewinder rear motor drive slot car design as used in the prior art.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are explosive views of a motor according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematics of a motor according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a chassis of a direct drive slot car without a cover as stamped according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the chassis of FIG. 9 ready for assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a direct drive slot car without wheels and cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a direct drive slot car without wheels and cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a direct drive slot car without wheel and cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a back view of a direct drive slot car without a cover according to another embodiment of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention overcome the prior technology's limitation of relying on different kinds of gears to achieve rear-wheel drive in toy slot cars. Referring to FIG. 4, an explosive view showing a direct drive motor 400 used in a direct drive slot car system according to one embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the right hand side of the direct drive motor 400 (hereinafter “motor”). In one example, the motor 400 may be a direct current (DC) motor. For example, the motor 400 includes a housing 402 as a body for the motor 400. In one example, the housing 402 may be made of a deep drawn mild steel body having a thickness of about 0.013 inches. In another example, it may feature properties of 1 phosphor bronze (oilite) bearing bush. Other materials may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The motor 400 also includes a magnet pair 404. In one example, the magnet pair 404 includes a pair of magnets having a north and south polarity in a semi-circle shape.

The motor 400 further includes an armature assembly 406. The armature assembly 406 includes, for example, three pole laminated iron stacks, three segment commutators, enamel coated wires, and two brass thrust washers. Other materials for the armature assembly 406 may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The armature assembly 406 may also include a shaft 408, and the shaft 408 may be a hard steel shaft with a size of about 2 mm or 0.079 inches long. The motor 400 further includes a right insulator 410. In one example, the right insulator 410 may be made of copper/CAR8 on motor brushes mounted on beryllium copper springs. The right insulator 410 may also include high temperature plastic molded insulator with solderable external connection tabs. In another example, the motor 400 may include a right end cap 412. For example, the right end cap 412 may be made of press formed steel end cap of about 0.013 inches and may feature properties of 1 phosphor bronze (oilite) bearing bush. It is to be understood that these parts may be combined or consolidated without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Moreover, in one aspect of the invention, it may be noted that the armature assembly 406 of the motor 400 becomes and fulfils the function of the rear axle of a direct drive slot car. This feature eliminates the main “occurring” fault in all slot cars, which was the wearing and failure of transmission gears. The design of the motor, such as the motor 400 shown in FIG. 4, simplifies the transmission layout by eliminating the gear train. In addition to eliminating this problem it also simplifies assembly and minimizes cost by omitting said gears.

Similarly, FIG. 5 is an explosive diagram illustrating the left hand side of the motor 400. What is different from FIG. 4 is an left insulator 510 and a left end cap 512 of the motor 400. Furthermore, FIGS. 6 and 7 show schematics of the motor 400. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention incorporate such chassis (to be described further below) to support the motor 400 on one the one side, bolted to the chassis with two screws and on the other side, the motor is supported by the means of an oilite bearing surrounding the shaft 408 and affixed to the chassis “pillar block”.

Aspects of the invention further include a uniquely designed chassis shown in FIGS. 8-19 that incorporate the motor 400 securely and conveniently to deliver the benefits of the design. For example, referring to FIG. 8, an assembled top view of a chassis 800. For example, the chassis 800 includes a right section 802, a left section 804 and a center section 806. Also depicted in FIG. 8 are wheels 808 and the motor 400. In FIG. 8, the chassis 800 may be made of stainless steel through known stamped and pressed manufacturing methods. For example, the chassis 800 may be made from approximately 0.025 inches thick sheet of stainless steel. This thickness or material is used in view of the lightweight characteristics as well as the strength needed for the slot car racing. Other materials may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of aspects of the invention.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the right section 802 and the left section 804 of the chassis 800 are, respectively, used to support a right front wheel (not shown here) and a left front wheel (not shown here). The center section 806 of the chassis 800 may be used to support the motor 400 to the rear section thereof. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate disassembled top views of the chassis 800. For example, FIG. 9 shows the chassis 800 as stamped. For example, in FIG. 9, mounting tabs 902 of the chassis 800 are shown as stamped from the dye or mold presses. On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows the mounting tabs 902 in a ready-to-assemble position, waiting to be engaged with the remaining parts of the chassis 800. Furthermore, FIG. 9 shows a number of interlocking pairs 904 having corresponding and matching locking mechanisms between the right section 802 or the left section 804 to the center section 806.

In a further embodiment, the chassis 800 is designed work with the motor 400, which may provide the correct torque characteristics to enable it to efficiently drive the slot car with sufficient torque to ensure that a reduction gear train is not required for correct function.

Aspects of the invention, as further illustrated in FIG. 8, enable the shaft 408 of the motor 400 to be securely affixed to the rear of the chassis 800 such that the shaft 408 becomes and fulfils the function of the rear axle and that the chassis is so designed as to support the motor on one side. In this construction, the motor 400 is bolted or screwed to the chassis with two screws and on the other side, the motor is supported by the means of an oilite bearing surrounding the shaft 408 and affixed to the “pillar block” of the chassis 800.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-18, a series of views showing the chassis 800 with an electrical pick up braids 1102. In one embodiment, the braids 1102 are housed in a slot guide injection molded plastic housing. Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of an assembled slot car without the wheels and the cover. As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting tabs with a set of screws 1202 are used to secure the motor 400 to the chassis 800 to the rear of the chassis 800, hence providing a direct drive to rear wheels (not shown). Referring also to FIG. 16, a rod 1602 is used along with the interlocking pairs to provide engagements between the center section 806, the right section 802 and the left section 804. Referring also to FIG. 18, a side elevation view shows the chassis 800 with a front wheel 1702 and the rear wheel 808. In one example, the rear wheels 808 include aluminum wheel rims with microcellular synthetic sponge rubber tires. Other materials may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Aspects of the invention offer and perform all the functions of existing slot cars but does so without a gear train. Without the gears, gear mesh will not be disturbed while changing wheels or tires. This convenience is further appreciated by novice racers due to the ease of maintenance of the slot cars.

Moreover, the chassis 800 provides a separate and complete construction from the body or cover (not shown) of the slot car. This provides flexibilities and a close-to-real-life racing atmosphere as racers could change the design as well as having different decals of sponsors of the cover without significantly altering the chassis. This design allows a wide range of different bodies to be mounted on the completed chassis.

Alternatively embodiment of the invention further includes the chassis 800 be engaged with the motor 400 via 2×2 mm screws and on the other side by a fixed bronze bearing which the shaft 408 runs through, this also stabilizes the motor 400 within the chassis 800. The chassis 800 may be a modular unit in its own right which does not depend on a section of the body being affixed to said chassis 800 in order to retain the motor 400. As such, embodiments of the invention provide the advantages of transmitting the higher power of the specially designed motor 400 to the slot car. In another embodiment, the chassis 800 does not rely on sections of a body (one section of the chassis 800 being the underpan) to sandwich the motor in a suitable way to prevent movement of said motor. The chassis 800 with elements described above provides ways to secure the motor 400 without a body in prior technology and design.

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of aspects of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A direct drive slot car device comprising: a motor; a chassis having a center section for securing said motor in a rear portion of the center section; a motor shaft housed within said motor, said motor shaft rotatably engaged with said motor; a set of wheels connected to said motor shaft; and wherein said motor shaft rotate said set of wheels directly without a gear train in response to said motor being energized.
 2. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 1, further comprising a power source to energize the motor.
 3. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 1, wherein the set of wheels comprises a set of rear wheels.
 4. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 1, wherein the chassis further comprising a right section for supporting a right front wheel and a left section for supporting a left front wheel.
 5. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 4, wherein the chassis further comprising a series of interlocking pairs engaging the center section with the right section and the left section.
 6. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 1, wherein the chassis further comprising mounting tabs to securely engage the motor.
 7. The direct drive slot car device according to claim 6, wherein the chassis comprises the mounting tabs to securely engage the motor using a set of screws.
 8. A direct drive slot car comprising: a cover; a motor; a chassis having a center section for securing said motor in a rear portion of the center section; a motor shaft housed within said motor, said motor shaft rotatably engaged with said motor; a set of wheels connected to said motor shaft; and wherein said motor shaft rotate said set of wheels directly without a gear train in response to said motor being energized.
 9. The direct drive slot car according to claim 8, further comprising a power source to energize the motor.
 10. The direct drive slot car according to claim 8, wherein the set of wheels comprises a set of rear wheels.
 11. The direct drive slot car according to claim 8, wherein the chassis further comprising a right section for supporting a right front wheel and a left section for supporting a left front wheel.
 12. The direct drive slot car according to claim 11, wherein the chassis further comprising a series of interlocking pairs engaging the center section with the right section and the left section.
 13. The direct drive slot car according to claim 12, wherein the chassis further comprising a rod for connecting a set of interlocking pairs to engage the center section, the right section, and the left section of the chassis.
 14. The direct drive slot car according to claim 8, wherein the chassis further comprising mounting tabs to securely engage the motor.
 15. The direct drive slot car according to claim 14, wherein the chassis comprises the mounting tabs to securely engage the motor using a set of screws.
 16. A direct drive slot car system comprising: a motor; a chassis having a center section with mounting tabs for securing said motor in a rear portion of the center section; a motor shaft housed within said motor, said motor shaft rotatably engaged with said motor; a set of wheels connected to said motor shaft; and wherein said motor shaft rotate said set of wheels directly without a gear train in response to said motor being energized.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The direct drive slot car system according to claim 16, wherein the set of wheels comprises a set of rear wheels.
 18. The direct drive slot car system according to claim 16, wherein the chassis further comprising a right section for supporting a right front wheel and a left section for supporting a left front wheel.
 19. The direct drive slot car system according to claim 18, wherein the chassis further comprising a series of interlocking pairs engaging the center section with the right section and the left section.
 20. The direct drive slot car according to claim 19, wherein the chassis further comprising a rod for connecting a set of interlocking pairs to engage the center section, the right section, and the left section of the chassis. 